Happy New You

Happy New You!

People crave new things today:
• New phones, cars, clothes, hairstyles, and even a new face
• Plastic surgery to get a new nose, new ears, a new look, a new body

Especially during the new year, we set new goals, pursue new resolutions:
• Change our lifestyle, go on a diet, break a bad habit, create new and better habits
• Buy new furniture, take new courses, visit new vacation spots

If we could change everything, we would. Anything that’s external, that is. That’s what we can change. And it’s simple.

But we cannot change ourselves – the real you and me. I can change my clothes, but I’m still me. I can sport a new hairstyle, but I would still be me. No matter what I change outwardly, I carry with me the same old inward struggles, worries, fears…the same sadness and miseries. No amount of new gadgets, clothes, facelifts or tummy tucks, or other things can really give me what my heart longs for.

WHY? Because new things are not what each of us needs, but we all need a new life—a NEW YOU! We can have many new things but we cannot have a new life, unless we come to Christ.

The Bible says that only in Jesus Christ can we have a NEW LIFE—a NEW CREATION—a NEW YOU! It’s not an EXTERNAL change. You and I will still look basically the same. It’s an INSIDE job.

II Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

What does it mean to become a “new creature”? Very simply, it means just what the Scripture says: the person actually becomes a new creature—his or her whole being, nature, life, and behavior change. Whereas the person previously was dead to God, as a new creature he or she becomes alive to God. Whereas the person previously had no relationship with God, as a new creature he or she is given a relationship with God. Before believing in Christ for salvation the person was not sure about God, but as a new creature he or she is absolutely certain about God.

How does a person become a “new creature”? Note the words of this passage: “[I]f any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” It is being “in Christ” that makes a person a new creature. When a person truly believes in Christ, God the Father places and positions him or her in Christ. The person who believes in Jesus Christ is identified with Christ; that is, he or she is counted and considered to be “in Christ.” That person’s faith in Christ causes God the Father to identify him or her with Christ.

To become a new creature—a NEW YOU—a person must receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It’s God that makes you “new,” not anything we or anyone else can do on our behalf. To become a new creature, you must:

First, realize that God loves you…

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Second, realize that everyone is a sinner…

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

Third, realize that sin has a price that must be paid…

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Fourth, realize that Jesus Christ died to pay your price…

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

Finally, pray and ask Jesus Christ to be your Savior, claim His promise of eternal life, and become part of His family!

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13